The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
In Acts 1:9-11 we see the risen Christ ascending into heaven. This would certainly be a striking event. The disciples don’t question it. They simply experience it and are amazed. Jesus, who has instructed his people, who has told them how he will empower them, has suddenly risen from the earth and been taken up into heaven.
When the apostles are amazed they receive a visitation of angels. The angels remind them of the call they had. They were to go along, according to Jesus’ instructions.
It is very unlikely that any of us will go through an event as amazing as Jesus’ ascension to heaven. This life is not normally filled with signs of God’s power at work. We don’t even expect that we will ever see an angelic appearance. However, no matter the barriers, we know that Jesus has promised to accomplish his will. He fully intends to lead his disciples to be his witnesses. He will remind us as many times as needed. He will redirect us as much as we need. He will empower us to bear witness effectively.
What does the Holy Spirit do through his people? He fulfills his word. We can have confidence that he will continue making his people to be his witnesses until he returns again. This is God’s promise to his disciples.
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